The people around them immediately perked up their ears. Those at the back stood on their tiptoes and craned their necks to listen in on the conversation.

It would be a big deal if one of them managed to score a cooperation with President Yao.

And judging by President Wen's attitude, they were sure that the young man was no ordinary person.

Yao Yan simply smiled and raised his wine glass to the guests. "Thank you for your appreciation. Allow me to drink as a token of my thanks."

With that, he downed the contents of his glass, all while looking noble and detached from the rest of the crowd.

The reporters reacted quickly and signaled for their team to snap up photos of the scene. Tomorrow's paper would definitely sell well.

Shortly after the commotion, a man in a dapper suit approached Yao Yan. "Young Master Yao, please acknowledge me as your nephew. Long ago, a relative of mine became sworn brothers with an elder of theYao family. It is only right that we uphold this honor in the current generation. I hope you will remember the Yin family in your future endeavors."

A murmur of discontent went around the crowd when they heard this. They were worried that this man would snatch away their chances of working with Yao Yan.

"Why is he bringing that up all of a sudden? It has been so many years! Isn't he ashamed to come here after all this time and use that sob story to curry favor?"

"That's right! We should all have an equal chance here. Don't try to take a shortcut!""Look, President Yao doesn't even look like he remembers who that man is!"

As their criticisms died down, they proceeded to rave about Yao Yanagain.

"President Yao is truly gifted! To think that he had achieved so much at a young age."

"I know, right? He isn't even in his thirties yet, but he has already made great strides in the world of business. I think it's high time for the Yao family's business to change hands!"

"I made the right choice by attending tonight's party! How lucky it is to be able to meet Young Master Yao!"

Through it all, Yao Yanmaintained a faint smile. The air around him thrummed with his intimidating aura, so no one dared to overstep his boundaries. They pandered to him at a safe distance.

When he grew tired of their empty praises, Yao Yanheld up his hand and said, "Tonight's event is in celebration of my Grandma's birthday. I am here to congratulate her and honor her life. Let's not talk about business. If you wish to pursue a collaboration, you are welcome to do so. But not here, and certainly not today. I hope you understand."

He placed his wine glass on the table and swept a meaningful gaze over the crowd. They got the message and gradually dispersed.

They were on the Yao family's turf, after all. If EvenPresident Wenwas tiptoeing aroundYao Yan, then who were they to act rashly?

Besides, they didn't even know the young man's identity yet. If they pushed on blindly, they might only be courting their own demise.

Yao Yan's smile took on an edge as he watched the guests walk away.He hadn't hidden his identity on purpose, but it was true that their business was not located on this side of the city.

Yao Yan wasn't the type to brag, and neither were his parents.

They saw no point in showing off their success, especially to someone as vile and crude as Qin Man. This was one of the reasons why the first family was kept in the dark.

It would have remained a secret, too, if President Wenhad not come.

Yao Yan was actually late to the banquet because of a business meeting with the Wen Group.

They were set to sign a contract the next day, but something came up on President Wen's end at the last minute.

And so, they had wrapped up the meeting with Yao Yansigning the documents in a hurry. In his haste, he had left out one of the papers.

They had long parted ways when President Wenrealized this, and he instantly rushed over toOld Madam Yao's birthday party to acquireYao Yan's signature.

The guests pondered how President Wenhad personally come toYao Yan, and how a single phone call fromYao Ronghad been enough to push the announcement of the Math Olympiad's results in advance.

They grew even more convinced that the second branch of the Yao familywas not as simple as they seemed. It appeared that society had sorely underestimated them.

Soon enough, their attention drifted over to Yang Ming, whose hungry expression greatly resembled theirs.

Everyone still remembered that he had condescendingly offered Yao Yana job. As things stood, it was an absolutely ridiculous idea.

President Yao needed no help from Yang Ming. Moreover, did he really think he had the power to make such a decision on behalf of the Yang Group?

If it wasn't for the fact that the Young Master of the main branch of the Yang family was in school, Yang Mingmight not even have had a position in the company at all.